FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
YMCA of the USA and the Lance Armstrong Foundation Announce Partnership to Develop Physical Activity and Well-Being Initiatives for Cancer Survivors
Expert panel named to oversee research-based initiative
CHICAGO, September 24, 2007—YMCA of the USA and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) have announced a multi-year partnership to develop physical activity and well-being initiatives designed to address the specific wants, needs and interests of cancer survivors.
A panel of nationally-known cancer survivorship researchers and public-health professionals, including cancer survivors themselves, convened in Chicago recently to begin the planning process for the initiative. Panel members will contribute their knowledge and perspective on evidence-based best practices through meetings, conference calls and email exchanges throughout the pilot phase and implementation of the project.
“By bringing these and other targeted, research-tested wellness programs into communities, we hope to improve the health and functioning of our growing population of cancer survivors and their families,” said panel member Julia H. Rowland, Ph.D., Director, Office of Cancer Survivorship, National Cancer Institute.
Additional members of the expert panel include:
- Wesley Alles, Ph.D., Director, Stanford Health Improvement Program
- Therese Billings, a six-time breast cancer survivor and administrative assistant to the President/CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle
- Tim Byers, MD, MPH, Professor and Deputy Director, University of Colorado Cancer Center
- Kerry S. Courneya, Ph.D., Professor and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer, University of Alberta
- Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, Director, Nutrition and Physical Activity, American Cancer Society
- Angela Esparza, RN, Director, Quality of Life and Information, American Cancer Society
- Michael Goldstein, Ph.D., University of California School of Public Health
- James Gordon, M.D., Founder and Director, Center for Mind-Body Medicine
- Haley Justice, MPH, CHES, National Partnerships Program Specialist, Lance Armstrong Foundation
- Casey Klein, Vice President of Operations, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
- Genné McDonald, PT, Clinical Lecturer, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, and cancer survivor
- Claire Neal, MPH, CHES, Partnerships Manager, Lance Armstrong Foundation
- Alexander Ng, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Marquette University
- Carrie Phelps, Director of Strategic Initiatives, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region
- Carole Schneider, Ph.D., Director, Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute
- Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., MPH, FACSM, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania
- Anna Schwartz, FNP, Ph.D., FAAN, Professor & Scottsdale Healthcare Cancer Research Endowed Chair, Arizona State University
- Kerri Winters-Stone, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Oregon Health and Science University
“This exciting new partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation will allow us to more effectively involve cancer survivors in the YMCA with research-based programs that focus on their specific health and wellness needs, said Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA. “It is our hope that this new initiative will evolve over several years and set the standard for physical activity and wellness programs for cancer survivors throughout the country.”
The initiative is a key component of Activate America®, the YMCA’s bold approach to directly address our nation’s growing health crisis. Through Activate America, YMCAs are shifting how they focus their work inside and outside the YMCA to engage health seekers: all children, youth, adults and families whose successful pursuit of health and well-being in spirit, mind and body requires continuous supportive relationships and environments. Those living with, through and beyond a disease like cancer often fit into this group.
“Medical studies show that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity can reduce fatigue, boost self esteem and improve muscle strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment. However, physical activity and wellness programs specifically for cancer survivors are scarce and often difficult to take to scale nationally,” said Andy Miller, vice president of programs and policy for the LAF. “The YMCA is uniquely positioned nationwide and maintains exceptional recognition, trust and credibility regarding community health and physical activity. Together, we are confident we can make an unprecedented difference in the way we inspire and empower people affected by cancer.”
Working in close collaboration with key researchers and local YMCAs, the LAF and YMCA of the USA will begin the pilot phase of the project this fall with topic development and pre-work. Recruitment of YMCAs to participate in the initiative will follow in 2008.
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ABOUT THE LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people to fight cancer. The Foundation believes that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. We provide the practical information and tools people battling cancer need to live life on their own terms. We take aim at the gaps between what is known and what is done to prevent death and suffering due to cancer. We engage the public at large to pursue an agenda focused on preventing cancer, ensuring access to screening and care, improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer, and investing in needed research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. UNITE at LIVESTRONG.org.
ABOUT ACTIVATE AMERICA® and the YMCA
Activate America® builds on the YMCA’s mission and history as a social innovator, in this case responding to the nation’s growing health crisis. Through Activate America, the YMCA is redefining itself and engaging communities across the country to provide better opportunities for people of all ages in their pursuit of health and well-being in spirit, mind and body. Advisors to the YMCA for this effort include: scientists at Harvard School of Public Health and Stanford University School of Medicine, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Steps to a Healthier US, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Active Living By Design, the Chronic Disease Directors and others. Visit www.ymca.net/activateamerica.
ABOUT YMCA OF THE USA
Located in Chicago, YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation’s 2,663 YMCAs, which serve nearly 20.2 million people each year, including 9.4 million children under the age of 18. Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, health and well-being for all, and family strengthening, YMCAs unite men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America’s communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Visit www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.